Rams started poorly as they fell 19-0 down just after the half-hour mark, but the hosts gave themselves a lifeline as Dan Sawyer crossed with the final play of the opening period.

Having made six substitutes at half-time, things got better for Rams with Freddie Sheppard bagging a debut try added to by Tom Knapman, Matt Hill’s five-pointer reducing the deficit to just two.

Banbury replied, however, a converted score giving them breathing space before their opponents rallied again, Enzo Maria dotting down before Ben Parsons slotted the conversion with 12 minutes remaining.

Another breakaway Banbury effort made it 33-24, and despite Knapman setting up a grandstand finish with a penalty six minutes from time, Rams were unable to complete the recovery.

Coach Glyn Mosses was philosophical in defeat as he admitted: “The second-half performance from all the lads was outstanding, and if they’d had faith in their ability before the break the result would have been different.

“But they should be proud having come from three scores down to make it so close.”

The Extra As head to Beaconsfield today while the Under 16s, who faced Marlow last weekend, face Reading at Berkshire Hall (10am).

The U15s, who were also made to pay for a sleepy start when going down 31-26 at Henley Hawks, travel to High Wycombe.

The U13s enjoyed a successful tour to Bath and Bristol, taking on the likes of Clifton, Chipping Sodbury, Bradford-on-Avon and Trowbridge, as well as forming the guard of honour for the Bath- Harlequins Premiership game.

They visit Tottonians today.

The first part of the Minis’ Festival proved a big hit as the U8s, U10s and U12s were in action at Old Bath Road, the U7s/9s/11s hosting this morning.